DO

• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo.

• If a protective film has been used, keep this on for 3-5 days.

• When removing the second skin, it's best to remove it under warm running water, pull it downwards and take you time.

• If you sweat underneath the second skin, it is best to remove and or you might experience sweat rash under the adhesive.

• Once the second skin is removed, wash twice daily with antibacterial/gentle liquid soap. Please hydrate your new tattoo with a paper-thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or coconut oil twice a day for 4-6 weeks.

• If possible, use freshly washed bedsheets, clothes, and towels during healing process. Disposable paper towels or unscented baby wipes are great for direct contact with the tattoo when washing or drying.

DONT

• DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK! This removes ink and leads to infections!

• DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE. This typically is caused by applying thick layers of lotion, suffocating the skin and trapping moisture within your tattoo which can lead to infection and ink being pulled out of the tattoo. If during you experience bubbles forming on the surface of your tattoo stop applying any ointments, and allow the tattoo to dry out. 

• Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for the first three (3) weeks of healing. Direct sunlight will cause premature fading. Once the tattoo is healed, apply SPF 50 when spending time outside to ensure the longevity of your tattoo.

• Avoid soaking in water for the first 14 days of healing. This includes bath tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes and rivers. Showers are completely fine! 

• Avoid excessive friction to the tattooed area. Clothing, shoes, sheets, bracelets, rings, etc. rubbing the tattoo will cause the tattoo to heal poorly. 

• Avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for two weeks. You can go to the gym after 2-3 days but make sure to clean the tattoo after sweating.

EXPECT

• If your tattoo is bandaged with a protective film, you should keep the bandage on for 3-5 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak or exposed, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions) 

• For the next week the tattoo and area around it may be slightly swollen, red, and sore.

• Protective film adhesive may leave sticky residue or friction marks in and around the edges of the bandage - this is normal and will fade. (You could also use coconut oil to remove the sticky residue)

• If the second skin is uncomfortable, hot, itchy or your skin is unusually red underneath you may have a sensitivity to the medical grade adhesive. Remove the dressing, cleanse the skin and take an antihistamine. Reactions are rare but do happen!

• Within a few days to a week, a thin scab should form evenly over the tattoo and peel like a sunburn. (Do not pick at it!)

• The color may seem dull or uneven while the tattoo is healing, this is totally normal and usually only lasts a week or two.

• In the case of an infection, please seek medical attention.

• It should be completely healed in 4-6 weeks. For best results, avoid sun exposure (sunlight fades tattoos, so after your tattoo heals keep it covered or use sunblock when you’re in the sun), and keep it moisturized.

Proper tattoo aftercare can reduce your risk of scarring or infection. How quickly you heal depends on the size of your tattoo, how intricate it is and how well you care for your new tattoo. Bigger tattoos will stay red and swollen longer because they cause more trauma to your skin. Send me an updated photo 4-6 weeks after the initial appointment so we can discuss how healing went and see if you need any touch ups. Enjoy your new tattoo!